Reading List

Well, since I last updated, I've read The Belfry Witches (a kids book), Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer, and Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein.

The Belfry Witches wasn't the type of book I used to read as a child, but it was nonetheless entertaining. Kane and Abel, is a classic, that juxtaposes the fortunes of two men, one born with every advantage, and the other with just his ambition and determination.

Starship Troopers is a good read - I haven't seen the film - and stylistically different from the other novels I've mentioned in this blog. It's subject is the near extinction of the human race through warfare with an alien race, but its tone is light.

Yesterday, I bought No Mercy by Colin Forbes, and read the first 45 pages in the pub. It opens well, with a couple of different angles to capture the imagination.

Times they are a'movin'

It's been a while since my last update so here goes. Cropduster were great live. The chess is still going well, though I tend to make some obvious mistakes. I sign my contract for the new house this Tuesday (which has taken a while), and work is the same as ever - tedious. I have to admit though, I've been there six years in the same job, having abandoned my management training when I knew I would be getting a divorce. However, it's free shares time again, so I can hold out a little longer.

For any recruiters out there, my e-box is hungry for career opportunities to be passed its way. I enjoy work that involves with people on a face-to-face basis, though not in sales or marketing (which limits my options). I'm particularly good at explaining concepts and putting across ideas, which is why I often have to look after the new staff in my current role. I'm highly numerate and literate, and good with I.T.

I enjoy researching my family tree, and have built up a good collection of primary sources to reinforce that research.

I'm based in the North West but I don't have to stay here, so drop me a line.

Gig

The gig didn't go too badly, all in all. Apart from the quality of sound from the vocal mike, and one of the guitars getting muted on the mixing desk causing it drop out all together for the last song, there were no technical hitches. The mike problem is easily solvable by experimentation with different brands, and the mixing by having their own competent sound engineer.

The songs themselves were solid enough in their foundations, but the three that they recorded were noticeably stronger than the rest of the set. It is clear that they have a good idea of the sort of music that they wish to produce, and with the usual BSAT, the rest of the set should be brought up to the same standard.

Preston Band Cropduster

This link takes you to my good friend Rob's band website. Hopefully, I'll be seeing them perform on Wednesday so I'll review that gig here afterwards.

Cropduster

News

The chess is going well, though I'm still losing more games than I'm winning. The internet has made it much easier for players to research good tactics, and even ordinary folk can make reasonable players.

I received the survey report for my new house and had the points detailed analysed by an expert. It seems the house has rising damp due to a failed damp proof course, plus the wall-ties need replacing (it seems there were insufficient to start with). That's about £1200 of work, so not too bad.

Still stuck on the book. I have read only a few pages since my last post.

I found a course on Greek in WH Smith whilst in Preston. I started teaching myself Greek for a holiday in Corfu last year with my (now ex) wife. Perseverance will have its reward.